The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised an alarm over the treatment of two suspects in the custody of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), describing the situation as a gross violation of constitutional rights and international human rights standards.
In a letter addressed to the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, with copies sent to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and the Inspector-General of Police, RULAAC demanded urgent medical attention for Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam, who was allegedly shot in both legs after his arrest.
The Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated that new information received by his organisation indicates that Mr Maduakolam is currently being denied access to necessary medical treatment while in detention, raising serious concerns of torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
The letter further noted that the alleged actions lend credence to widespread reports of abuse, impunity, and extrajudicial practices associated with the Tiger Base unit.
RULAAC emphasised that once a suspect is in police custody, the use of force — especially lethal or injurious force — is unlawful. “Shooting a restrained suspect and subsequently denying him medical care, constitutes a grave breach of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties.”
The organisation made the following immediate demands:
1. Immediate transfer of Mr. Uchechukwu Maduakolam to a qualified medical facility for proper treatment of his gunshot wounds.
2. Confirmation of the current health status and exact location of both Mr. Maduakolam and Mr. Kenneth Anyanwu.
2. Absolute protection of both detainees from further torture, ill-treatment, or extrajudicial harm.
4. Unrestricted access for family members and legal representatives.
5. Prompt and independent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting after arrest.
6. Immediate arraignment in a competent court of law if credible evidence of any offence exists.
The letter warned that the continued detention of an injured person without medical care is unacceptable and could lead to irreversible harm or death, for which the police authorities would be held fully accountable.
RULAAC urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to act decisively and without delay to safeguard the lives of the detainees and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights.